Longford Slashers ladies manager Conor Clarke back in Croke Park seeking another success

Surely this is as good as it gets, he thought. Well, on Saturday he will bring his Slashers ladies side to GAA HQ for an All-Ireland final.

Clarke is well aware of his good fortune. “I thought that playing in Croke Park was the pinnacle. Now, I am in the privileged position of being the Slashers manager as we prepare for the All-Ireland final there,” he told the Leader.

For good measure, they are the first gaelic football team from Longford to reach an All-Ireland club final so history has already been made.

 Clarke is steeped in Longford Slashers tradition. His father, Gerry won senior football championships in the past and his three brothers and himself play for the current senior team.

The St Mel’s College teacher can now add to the family CV by bringing an All-Ireland title back to the club.

Standing in the way are the Tipperary and Munster Intermediate champions Mullinahone. It is better known as a hurling club but on Saturday next their ladies have an opportunity to achieve football glory.

“Like ourselves, they are a club on the rise,” Clarke says. “They reached the All-Ireland Junior Final last year so they are obviously a good side to get to the Intermediate decider this year,” he adds.

Having won the county final against Clonguish by a single point, Slashers have successfully negotiated every challenge put in their way since.

The most recent one was the All-Ireland semi-final against Charlestown. Slashers were severely tested on the day.

“Charlestown’s full-forward, Deirdre Doherty, was excellent. We were tested but the girls came through. The girls have built up bonds and they rely on each other,” he explained.

Clarke first got involved in coaching with the Slashers’ minors in 2013, after he was out of football with a cruciate injury.

His first role with the ladies was as a coach for two years. He is now in his fourth year as manager.

Combining this role with his own playing career means a busy schedule. “It can be seven nights a week. My girlfriend is new to football!” he quipped.

The ladies train three times a week, usually for around 90 minutes each time. He has seen his charges grow with the increasing demands of their success.

“Their confidence as a group has grown. Muscle memory has developed through their experience. Every time questions have been asked of them, they have answered,” he commented.

The key players on this team include Clare Farrell, Orla Nevin, Grace Shannon and Jessica Barry. However, Clarke wants to mention one of his unsung players.

“Emer Casey in goals has been excellent for us, she is very solid. Overall, we have learned how to ‘win ugly’ and the girls work hard for each other,” he stated.

Clarke was delighted with the support his side got in the All-Ireland semi-final in Michael Fay Park.

“I never saw anything like it in Fay Park before. I have students coming up to me in school telling me they will travel to Croke Park,” he says.

Expect the N4 to be very busy on Saturday.